Emily J. Rastello

Emily J. (Birch) Rastello, 87, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2021, after a short battle with cancer and surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Bernard T. Rastello, Sr. with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Lawrence, MA on November 27, 1933, she was the loving daughter of the late Edward and Ruth (Simard) Birch.

A graduate from Lawrence High School class of 1952, Emily met her soulmate, Bernard T. Rastello there. They raised four beautiful children, who were her pride and joy. She was a wonderful Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, friend, and Grandmother and loved to cook for her entire family. She loved having her children and her grandchildren over for Sunday dinners at the family home that always included pasta, sauce, and meatballs and always a special dessert with tea. She loved watching her children and her grandchildren enjoy the family pool. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she never missed a sporting, graduation, or any other special events.

In addition to her husband, Emily is survived by her sons, Bernard T. Rastello, Jr. and his wife Sarah of Methuen, Mark Rastello of Methuen, Darlene Raza and her husband Jason of Naples, FL; her sister, Ruth Piccolomini; brothers, Robert Birch and his wife Kathy, Walter Birch, and his wife Shirley; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her former daughters-in-law, Doreen Rastello and Tammy Rastello; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Emily was predeceased by her son, Tod Rastello; her siblings, Edward Birch, Evelyn Smith, and Raymond Birch.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy Parish, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Dana- Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA.